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Thursday, 27 June 2013

Small vessels, and vessels not fitted with specific navigational equipment, will not be allowed to sail in Port Klang when visibility falls below one nautical mile.

Port Klang Authority general manager Capt David Padman said the restrictions on vessel movements were necessary to ensure the safety of navigation in the port.

"Pilots and Masters were requested to liase closely with the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Control Centre and observe all standing instructions, advisories, and restrictions issued," he said in a statement on Thursday.

Capt Padman said despite the haze, Port Klang remained open for operations as navigational issues are well under control.

"Ship movements are being well managed and monitored through the VTMS and pilotage services, minimising the risk of any untoward incidents while at the same time keeping the port operational.

"Port Klang's pilots have been trained to navigate in conditions of restricted visibility besides also taking advantage of short periods of improved visibility to safely navigate ships in and out of the port," he said.

Visibility in Port Klang fluctuated between zero and 0.5 nautical mile on Tuesday, when the air pollutant index reached a high of 495, said Capt Padman.

On the safety of port personnel and port users, he said a two-hour work rotation was introduced to limit the workmen's exposure to the haze, as well as providing them with N95 face masks and continuous supply of drinking water.

To enhance safety, all cargo and passenger vehicles were required to switch on their lights, in addition to complying to speed restrictions imposed on cargo vehicles, he said.